Self-control is not a topic we like to think about.But it is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).It is also a topic that is important throughout the Proverbs.

God wants us to be self-disciplined in what, and how much, we eat; in how often we visit our neighbor and in how we deal with our temper.Personally, I find Proverbs 25:16, 27 particularly challenging.It is no so hard to stay away from honey, but if you put Ice Cream, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, M&M’s or pretty much any form of chocolate in the place of honey – the verse becomes very personal.The Scriptures are clear – carefully moderating our desserts (honey) is a good thing.

Proverbs 28 has more to say about greed, which is another form of lack of self-control. We are greedy when we want more than we need or things others have and we do not. Greed will lead to punishment (28:20), the sin of partiality (28:21), poverty (28:22), conflict (28:25) and curses (28:27).

Beloved, our American lifestyle promotes greed, discontent and lack of self-control.We need to pay attention to God’s warnings.It is not bad to find honey (desert) or other forms of wealth.We should receive them with thanksgiving.But we must also use God’s good gifts in moderation.

In Christ

Pastor Mike

P.S. I apologize for the font changes within the post. I’m having some trouble transfering from word to wordpress.

Happy Valentine’s Day. Here is a link to a survey that I believe was well constructed, fair, and could be helpful to many ladies who want to serve their brothers in Christ and honor their Lord by cultivating modesty.

I participated in the survey. I have not checked all the final results. It takes awhile to load each question, but the ones I have checked indicate that the guys were trying to be fair, balanced and helpful.

Here are some quotes I gathered from Thomas Watson, a puritan, as I studied this week:

On Happiness

It [blessedness] does not lie in the acquisition of worldly things.Happiness cannot by any art of chemistry be extracted here. –Thomas Watson, The Beatitudes, p.25

On Discontent

If a man were crowned with all the delights of the world, nay, if God should build him a house among the stars, yet the restless eye of his unsatisfied mind would be looking still higher.He would be prying beyond the heavens for some hidden rarities which he thinks he has not yet attained to; so unquenchable is the thirst of the soul till it come to bathe in the river of life and to center upon true blessedness. —Thomas Watson, The Beatitudes, p.27

On Blessing (Jesus’ or the World)

Observe how Christ’s doctrine and the opinion of carnal men differ.They think, ‘Blessed are the rich.’ The world would count him blessed who could have Midas’ wish, that all he touched might be turned into gold. But Christ says, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit.’ The world thinks, Blessed are they on the pinnacle; but Christ pronounces them blessed who are in the valley. Christ’s reckonings and the world’s do not agree. – Thomas Watson, The Beatitudes, p.39

On Poverty of Spirit

‘Poor in spirit’ then signifies those who are brought to the sense of their sins, and seeing no goodness themselves, despair in themselves and sue wholly to the mercy of God in Christ. – Thomas Watson, The Beatitudes, p. 42

I think I’m back.I say I think, because I have still been having problems with WordPress eating my blog posts.But, I think I may have found a work around. In the meantime, I’d like to let you know about some of the plans I have for this blog in the future.

First, as a pastor and a lover of Jesus Christ, I am burdened by the American church’s Biblical illiteracy.So, I am working on a plan to address that in my blog.Stay tuned.

Second, I have been repeatedly challenged to find a pastor or theologian from ages past and make a habit of reading their work.The idea is for them to become a mentor of sorts as I study the Scriptures.I hope to carve out some time on Friday’s to read and blog as I do this.

Third, I will continue to try and provide encouraging quotes, thoughts, reflections and applications from my studies.

In the meantime, you can find my recent sermons and book reviews at the HeritageValleyBibleChurch website (click here).The sermons are here and the book reviews are here.

I hope that this site will continue to bless you and strengthen you as you pursue Jesus.